Why is the Ohio GOP involved in the primary?

The Ohio Republican Party appears to be moving full steam ahead toward endorsing John Kasich for Governor. That’s funny … I thought the primary contest was still underway. When last I checked, Kevin Coughlin was still angling for a chance to take on Ted Strickland.
It’s not up to the Ohio GOP to pick the party’s nominee. It’s up to us, the voters, to choose our nominee in the primary election. The state party ought to butt out until then.
After all, Bob Taft, “Uncle Bob” Bennett, Kevin Dewine, Ken Blackwell, Jim Petro and friends haven’t exactly covered themselves in glory over the past several election cycles.
We’ll pick our guy without your interference, thanks.